BULAWAYO - Mainstream MDC deputy organising secretary Abdenico Bhebhe has blamed high HIV/Aids prevalence in Zimbabwe on Zanu PF’s mismanagement of the economy.

Addressing more than 600 MDC supporters in Inyathi, Matabeleland North on Saturday Bhebhe said HIV/Aids is usually associated with poverty and Zanu PF mismanagement led many Zimbabweans into abject poverty when they  took power in 1980 and therefore caused HIV/Aids prevalence rate to increase in the country.

“HIV/Aids usually go hand in hand with poverty. When Zanu PF took over power in 1980, poverty increased and the HIV/Aids prevalence rate also increased.

“There was no poverty before Zanu PF took over power. There was everything, there was food, there was medication, hospitals and schools were open.

“But because of poverty that came with Zanu PF mis-governance, poverty increased and the HIV/Aids prevalence rate also increased.

“The prevalence rate has only been slowing down after the formation of the inclusive government when the economy was stabilised and poverty was reduced,” Bhebhe told party supporters. - Pindai Dube